How to Soften Cross Country Ski Boots That Haven't Been Used for Awhile

Older nordic, or cross country, ski boots may become stiff if not used for an extended period of time. In order to prevent blistering or foot pain, the boots should be broken back in and softened. Many nordic boots are either leather or a combination of leather and plastic. Add a coat of waterproofing to the leather boots to ensure their suppleness and water resistance as you soften them back up for use.

Things You'll Need

  • Sock balls or old tennis balls
  • Water repellant treatment
  • Chamois cloth
  • Hair dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dip the chamois cloth into the water repellant and rub it into all leather parts on both boots. Melt the repellant into the leather -- some cleaners and sealants are paraffin-based and require heat to set it into the leather -- by holding a hair dryer over all the parts where you applied the repellant. Use the cloth to work the melted repellant into the leather.

    • 2

      Let the boots cool. Put the boots on and wear them around the house or up and down the street several times to begin softening up the leather and getting the crease areas working.

    • 3

      Store the boots with tennis balls or wadded up sock balls in them. Wear the boots at least two or three times a day and walk up and down the driveway or around the block.

    • 4

      Once initially softened, put the boots on and head out onto the snowy trails. Go for a ski about 1/3 the normal length to make sure the boots are breaking in properly and no blistering or foot pain occurs.

    • 5

      Add another coat of water repellant after using the boots in the snow, as the leather is most likely dry and ready for another treatment.